Unfortunately, there’s not a lot you can do to stop other children from teasing your child, but you can help your child learn how to cope with being teased.
When a child teases another child, it is another sign that they are learning important cognitive skills. Like being defiant, teasing allows a child to gain control over a situation. All children go through this unfortunate stage though some children will be on the receiving end of the teasing more than others. As a parent, it is difficult to see your child get teased, but you can help him learn ways to cope with it.
Acknowledge and understand his pain. When your child tells you that he is being teased by other children, let him know that you sympathize with how he is feeling. This will open the door to discussing ways to handle the teasing.
Teach your child to ask for help. Let him know that when teasing is hurtful, it’s all right to tell the teacher or caregiver what is happening.
Finally, make sure that you are not teasing your child unknowingly. A preschooler may feel bad about himself if you are jokingly or affectionately saying things that hit a nerve. Never joke with your child about an issue that he is having difficulty with, like potty training, or having accidents. To him, this is as bad as being teased by another child.
When a child teases another child, it is another sign that they are learning important cognitive skills. Like being defiant, teasing allows a child to gain control over a situation. All children go through this unfortunate stage though some children will be on the receiving end of the teasing more than others. As a parent, it is difficult to see your child get teased, but you can help him learn ways to cope with it.
Acknowledge and understand his pain. When your child tells you that he is being teased by other children, let him know that you sympathize with how he is feeling. This will open the door to discussing ways to handle the teasing.
Teach your child to ask for help. Let him know that when teasing is hurtful, it’s all right to tell the teacher or caregiver what is happening.
Finally, make sure that you are not teasing your child unknowingly. A preschooler may feel bad about himself if you are jokingly or affectionately saying things that hit a nerve. Never joke with your child about an issue that he is having difficulty with, like potty training, or having accidents. To him, this is as bad as being teased by another child.
